Brazil Wants Progression

Nottingham Forest interim head of Academy Gary Brazil insists there is no pressure on his youngsters to produce a repeat of last season’s run to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

Brazil, speaking to Forest Player ahead of the new Academy league season, says that the players must concentrate on improving their skills and work rate before they think about results.

He said: “The FA Youth Cup run was fantastic last season but I won’t be judging the players on where we are in that competition - there’s no pressure on them in that sense. Our goal is to develop the players both individually and as a collective.

“Would I like to get to the semi-final of the Youth Cup again this year? I’d love it. But we are not driven by results, we are driven by player development and seeing the boys progress and challenge themselves at the next level.”

While Brazil admits he wants his sides to be competitive, the main barometer against which the players will be measured is their ability to play for the highest possible age group.

Brazil said: “For us, success will be if we can get players into the Under 21s and then, if they perform well there, the manager will take a look at them and bring them on to the next level.”